By Samuel Ogude
Delta State University Abraka has admitted 9,498 students in its 2025/2026 academic session. The ceremony which took place on Saturday at the premises of the school was unique in its respect.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba said the University has grown from a modest beginning to be a highly rated citadel of research and higher learning adding, going by the recent ranking of The Times Higher Education (THE) in its 2026, the institution is ranked as the 4th best State University in Nigeria, 12th overall best University in Nigeria, and the best State University in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones of Nigeria.
According to Prof. Asagba, the institution has continued to exude a robust town-and-gown interaction in the pursuit of its primary objectives, which has also resulted in harmonious relationship, the results of which, is the graduation of responsible graduates who have continued to contribute positively not only to the Nigerian society, but the world at large. His word: “Delta State University has distinguished itself as one of the centres of academic excellence and has become an attraction for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. This has been largely due to its track record of maintaining smooth and uninterrupted academic calendar over the years.”
According to him, it is worthy of note that the institution at present, has seventeen (17) Faculties with one hundred and nine (109) academic programmes, in addition to one Institute of Education and a Business School which is situated at Asaba, the capital of the state. Prof. Asagba said, with the trends in contemporary times, the institution is setting machinery in place for the introduction of more robust programmes to cater for the academic need of this generation adding, the institution has continued to excel among Universities in Nigeria, having secured full accreditation status for all its academic programmes.
According to Vice Chancellor, since the institution is doing excellently well, the larger society has continued to look up to the University for high standards of personal and moral integrity adding that, it is so, for, over the years, the institution has, through its cardinal objectives, continued to improve on capacity building, together with intellectual and manpower development, in the diverse fields of endeavours.
His words: “The University, on its part, and with its facilities, is willing to admit more than the number matriculating today with a view to meeting the yearnings and aspirations of youths/students of Delta State origin, but this is highly moderated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which regulates University admission quota across the country. However, it is pertinent to mention that with recent accreditation reports, the National Universities Commission (NUC) in conjunction with JAMB has increased the University carrying capacity in CAPS to eight thousand, nine hundred and seventy-four (8,974)candidates.”
While congratulating the students for successful admission as not all persons who applied were admitted, he charged them to be diligent in their academic work and be honest in the pursuit of their dreams in the institution and avoid being captives of the social media which can distract from serious academic work. His words: “As students, you should comport yourselves very well, observe the rules and regulations of this University, and refrain from activities which are inimical to the growth of intellectualism, indiscipline, lawlessness, particularly when such actions involve violence, cultism, yahoo plus and breach of the peace of the university.”
“You are strongly advised to eschew examination malpractice, indecent dressing and any kind of action that is unbecoming of an undergraduate. As first year students, you must strive to deliberately protect your esteemed “gown” from the vagaries and hostilities of the town”. The Vice Chancellor therefore urged every one of them to shun all forms of vices as such acts are capable of jeopardizing their successful completion of their studies and the attainment of their life dreams.
Prof. Asagba used the occasion to express the school’s profound gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Government of Delta State for the giant strides taken in the overall development of the University just as he promised that the school would remain focused in the pursuit of academic excellence, prudent management of the meager resources of the University for its overall development, among others. The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of matriculation oath on the students amidst cheers.